Banjul City Tour: Markets, History & Local Stories with Guide

Summary

Discover Banjul’s lively market, historic arch and museum with a guide

You’ll wander Banjul’s busy Albert Market with a local guide who knows every shortcut and stall; climb (or ride) up Arch 22 for those wide city views; and step quietly through the National Museum’s stories. Expect private transport and plenty of real moments — maybe even a laugh at your bargaining skills.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to stand under Arch 22 and look out over Banjul? I didn’t expect the wind up there — or that the elevator might not work (ours didn’t, so we climbed). Our guide, Musa, told us about the architect as we caught our breath. The view is strange and wide, all flat roofs and tangled streets. You can see the river glinting in the distance. I kept thinking about how this spot marked such a big shift in Gambia’s story — it’s right there in the air somehow.

The Gambia National Museum was next. It’s not huge but there’s something honest about it — old radios, faded photos, even a section on local music that made me pause longer than I thought I would. Musa pointed out a display curated by Mr. Ceesay (he seemed proud to know him). There was this faint smell of dust and paper, and outside you could hear someone selling oranges on the street. It felt like history wasn’t locked away but just sort of drifting through.

Albert Market was chaos in the best way — colors everywhere, people calling out prices, fish laid out on ice that was already melting by noon. I tried to bargain for some fabric but probably paid too much; my friend laughed at my “serious face.” Cash only here, which threw me off at first (no cards — good to know). We wandered between stalls until we lost track of time. There’s this moment when you realize you’re just another person in the crowd — not a tourist exactly, just part of the noise for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Banjul's main historical sites

• Visit Arch 22 monument
• Explore Gambia National Museum
• Shop at Albert Market

Top questions

How much are entrance fees for Arch 22 and the National Museum?

Each costs 200 GMD (as of 2025), not included in the tour price.

Is cash required at most places in Banjul?

Yes, most places only accept cash—credit cards aren’t widely used.

What are the main stops on this Banjul city tour?

The tour visits Arch 22, Gambia National Museum, and Albert Market.

Is hotel pickup included in this Banjul city tour?

The tour includes private transportation with flexible pickup options.

Who curates exhibitions at The Gambia National Museum?

Mr. Hassoum Ceesay, a well-known Gambian historian, curates them.

What should I expect at Albert Market?

A lively street market divided into wholesale/retail, food, and tourist sections—bargaining is common.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the tour.

Is this Banjul city tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult's lap.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation around Banjul with a local guide who knows every shortcut; you’ll need some cash handy for entry fees at Arch 22 and the National Museum since cards aren’t accepted; flexible pickup makes things easy before you dive into markets and museums together.